The federal government has issued a formal apology to the wrongly detained Mohamed Haneef, saying it hopes he can now move on with his life.
Dr Haneef this week received a substantial compensation payout from the government following his controversial detention on terrorism-related charges in 2007.
“The AFP (Australian Federal Police) acknowledges that it was mistaken and that Dr Haneef was innocent of the offence of which he was suspected,” the apology reads.
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“The commonwealth apologises and hopes that the compensation to be paid to Dr Haneef will mark the end of an unfortunate chapter and allow Dr Haneef to move forward with his life and career.”
The government acknowledged that arresting, charging, detaining and eventually cancelling Dr Haneef’s visa created “serious consequences for him and his family”.
The statement, which was quietly released by the Attorney-General’s Department on Wednesday, agrees that the terms of the settlement remain secret.
Dr Haneef’s lawyer Rod Hodgson said the apology reaffirmed his client’s innocence and follows the resolution of the doctor’s compensation claim earlier this week.
“We congratulate the government for recognising an injustice done on the watch of the previous government and for this public apology and declaration of innocence,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
“The apology means a lot to our client.”
A spokeswoman for Mr Hodgson’s firm Maurice Blackburn said the apology was posted on the attorney-general’s department website on Wednesday night.
A full letter of apology had been sent to Dr Haneef, she told AAP.
Mr Hodgson said the Australian people would form their own judgments about former immigration minister Kevin Andrews’ refusal to offer his own apology.
“On one side we have ASIO, the Queensland Police Service, the findings of the Clarke Inquiry, the AFP and the current Australian government all prepared to declare that Dr Haneef is innocent,” Mr Hodgson said.
“Mr Andrews continues to isolate himself by his aggressive refusals to make any form of apology for his role.
“Australians will make up their own minds about how this reflects on Mr Andrews’ judgment and humanity.”
He said the Haneef family remained in Brisbane after the conclusion of compensation talks this week.
“They have been buoyed by the number of ordinary Australians who have come up to them to wish them well,” Mr Hodgson said.
“Dr Haneef again thanks all Australians for their support.”
Source: www.smh.com.au
